Luke Akerstrom
It was New Year’s Eve and Luke and his family were driving home to Orange Park, when Luke had a seizure that lasted 30 minutes.
Tthe Akerstrom’s rushed Luke to Wolfson Children’s Hospital. When he arrived, the doctors performed several treatments, including plasmapheresis, IVIG and immunosuppressants to stop what was attacking Luke’s brain.
Unfortunately the seizure took it’s toll. Luke had started to degenerate. He lost the use of his left side, had problems swallowing and speaking and had to have a tracheal tube installed for feeding. But the story doesn’t end there.
Luke received amazing care and attention from the staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He was then transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital for more inpatient therapy. Today Luke recieves physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, speech therapy, and feeding from Wolfson Children’s Rehab. Luke has been able to use his arms and legs, started to speak again and is even able to walk on his own.
He has developed a great bond with all of the nurses, doctors and staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He even has a few nicknames for the rehab therapists. They work with him with love to get through the pain.
His family still thinks about that day that changed their life. What keeps them going is knowing that Luke is a fighter. Knowing that they have their son’s future to look forward to. And that the doctors, nurses and staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital will be there to help.
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